Charibert II’s Bid for Neustria and the…
629 CE
Charibert II’s Bid for Neustria and the Establishment of the Aquitanian Kingdom (629 CE)
Following the death of Chlothar II in 629 CE, Charibert II, the younger half-brother of Dagobert I, challenges his elder brother’s claim to Neustria, seeking a share of their father’s kingdom. This leads to tense negotiations, in which Charibert, still a minor, is represented by his uncle Brodulf, the brother of his mother Queen Sichilde.
However, Dagobert I eliminates Brodulf, securing his position in Neustria and Burgundy, while allowing Charibert II to establish himself in Aquitaine, effectively creating a semi-independent kingdom in the south.
1. Charibert II’s Claim to Neustria and the Role of Brodulf
- Charibert II, as the son of Queen Sichilde, had a legitimate claim to part of Chlothar II’s realm.
- As he was still too young to rule independently, his uncle Brodulf acts as his guardian and political representative, advocating for his right to Neustria.
- Brodulf’s political maneuvering poses a direct challenge to Dagobert I, who had already ruled Austrasia since 623 and now sought to rule Neustria and Burgundy unopposed.
2. The Assassination of Brodulf and the Settlement
- Dagobert I, determined to secure his inheritance, orders Brodulf’s assassination, removing Charibert’s most powerful protector.
- With Brodulf gone, Charibert loses any realistic claim to Neustria, and Dagobert becomes sole ruler of Austrasia, Neustria, and Burgundy.
- However, Dagobert does not prevent Charibert from taking control of Aquitaine, allowing him to rule independently from Toulouse.
3. The Establishment of the Aquitanian Kingdom
- Charibert II sets up his court at Toulouse, governing Aquitaine as a near-autonomous realm.
- This move effectively creates a new political entity in southern Gaul, reinforcing the distinct identity of Aquitaine within the Frankish world.
- While still technically a vassal to Dagobert, Charibert II enjoys a great deal of independence, overseeing the Romanized regions of southern Gaul.
4. The Long-Term Impact of Charibert’s Rule
- The creation of Aquitaine as a semi-independent kingdom foreshadows later divisions in the Frankish realm, particularly the regional autonomy of southern Gaul.
- Charibert II’s rule lasts only a few years, as he dies in 632 CE, possibly assassinated on Dagobert’s orders.
- After his death, Dagobert quickly absorbs Aquitaine, reinforcing his position as the strongest Merovingian king of the seventh century.
Conclusion: A Temporary Concession to Preserve Stability
The division between Dagobert I and Charibert II in 629 CE represents a temporary political compromise to avoid a full-scale Merovingian civil war. While Dagobert secures Neustria and eliminates Brodulf, he allows Charibert to rule Aquitaine, effectively recognizing the region’s semi-autonomy. However, this balance is short-lived, as Charibert’s early death in 632 CE allows Dagobert to reunify the Frankish kingdom once again.